Free Resources to Try “Yogic Sleep”

Have you guys heard of “yogic sleep”? It’s a practice that can help with stress, insomnia, anxiety, and more. I’m so excited to try it, wanna do it with me? Here’s Anna with the details…

One of the most challenging aspects of motherhood for me has been finding ways to quiet my mind. I hate to admit this, but even on my yoga mat or during mass it’s difficult to quiet the chatter of to-do lists that run through my mind like a news ticker with neon lights.

In a more literal sense, there is the chatter of texts, calls and emails often kept so close that we know the second we receive them. Unplugging can seem virtually impossible – and even when we are able to unplug, how can we quiet our minds?

Just over a year ago I was introduced to a yoga practice that’s purpose is to create a deep inner peace and calm. It’s called yoga nidra, which is known as “yogic sleep.” This yoga can be practiced by almost everyone. While it’s not for toddlers or young children, it is great for preteens and teens – especially with all of the stress and anxiety we are seeing in these age groups.

Yoga nidra is great for anyone who:

struggles with anxiety

has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

doesn’t get the recommended 7-9 hours of nightly sleep

lives a high stress lifestyle

is seeking greater inner peace and calm

This practice can be done anywhere you can lie down on your back. If it’s early morning or after 9 PM I practice in bed, during the day (while my girls nap) I will get comfortable on the couch or living room floor. I put my iPhone on “Do not disturb” and either pop in head phones or if no one is around I will set my phone on speakers.

Here aretwo FREE yoga nidra classes that you can download and listen to over, and over and over again. And believe me, you’ll want to. After my husband saw some noticable differences in my stress and anxiety levels, he began practicing, too. As a stressed out medical student, he probably needed it even more than me. He absolutely loves it as well.

We both find after practicing that we can think more clearly, feel better rested and can manage our busy schedules with more ease. It has also greatly helped us in the sleep department. If we know we are in for a restless nights sleep, we will play it to help us drift off more quickly.

The work is done for you. Your job is to lay comfortably on your back, close your eyes, and listen to a beautiful and relaxing guided meditation. It is deeply restorative, in fact one hour of yoga nidra is as restorative as three hours of sleep. Really, need I say more?

I will leave you with a simple, but impactful quote from the practice. “Fill your time with things that make you feel alive.

P.S. Looking for more ways to simplify and save time so you can connect with your family? Follow these 3 steps:

Anna is a joyful wife and mom to two sweet girls. Nutrition became one of her passions when her first daughter was born prematurely and showed early signs of food allergies. She is now happily learning all about health and wellness as part of the Prescribe Nutrition team. (Use code: MPMK20 to try one of their courses at 20% off.) When not working, she can be found practicing yoga at Yellow Barn Wellness.

I am excited to try this ‘yogic sleep’! As I was reading this post I was thinking that the writing style seemed very familiar. Then I saw that it was Anna from PN! I did the GB program with you several weeks ago and loved it. To two of my favorite moms, Anna and Steph, please continue your fabulous work as it impacts so many of us moms … more than you may know!

Hi Monica! You will love it If you think of it, let us know what you think. Some people fall asleep the first time, others feel like their mind is all over the place. It certainly is a “practice,” but after the first couple experiences, you will continually go deeper and deeper into your relaxation. It is truly euphoric! Thanks for your comment – it may have made me a little teary.

Haha, Amy! I am right there with you. You might find, as I did, that this feels better than getting in a great physical workout. Both are equally important, but most of us are willing to go days or weeks without making a conscious effort to relax. I hope you enjoy it

Hi Shannon! I couldn’t agree more. I had trouble with taking my thoughts from racing to quiet, but yoga nidra has really increased my ability to do so. I am glad you love yoga nidra as much as I do and hope you enjoy the recorded meditation.

I am desperate need of assistance with getting to sleep/staying asleep + fighting daily stress and anxiety – I’m def going to download : ) Here’s the catch…do you think it will still work if I can get myself propped up on my side? I just reached the phase where I should no longer be sleeping on my back during pregnancy….
What do you think?

I really want to try this. I have a lot of trouble sleeping-just cant seem to turn my mind off at night. I wake up ever few hours and have a difficult time falling back asleep. Needless to say I dont feel very rested in the mornings. I did have a question though. When would be the best time to do yogic sleep? When I go to bed, or when I get up, in the middle of the day? When? Thanks!